ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Office of Principal Scientific Advisor to GoI
Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India releases Advisory on “Stop the Transmission, Crush the Pandemic - Masks, distance, sanitation and ventilation to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus”
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India has issued a simple easy to follow guideline to “Stop the Transmission, Crush the Pandemic - Masks, distance, sanitation and ventilation to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus” As the pandemic rages in India, we need to once again remember that simple tools and practices can reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The advisory highlights the important role well-ventilated spaces play in diluting the viral load of infected air in poorly ventilated houses, offices etc. Ventilation can decrease the risk of transmission from one infected person to the other.
Just as smells can be diluted from the air through opening windows and doors and using exhaust systems, ventilating spaces with improved directional air flow decreases the accumulated viral land in the air, reducing the risk of transmission.
Ventilation is a community defense that protects all of us at home or at work. Introducing outdoor air in offices, homes and larger public spaces is advised. Measures to improve ventilation in these spaces must be taken up on urgent priority in urban and rural areas alike, recommendations for hutments, homes, offices and large centralised buildings are given. Simple strategic placement of fans, open windows and doors, even slightly open windows can introduce outdoor air and improve the air quality inside. Introduction of cross ventilation and exhaust fans will be beneficial in curtailing the spread of the disease.
In buildings with central air-management systems improving central air filtration /increased filtration efficiency is especially helpful when enhanced outdoor air delivery options are limited. In offices, auditoriums, shopping malls etc. use of gable fan systems and roof ventilators are recommended. Frequent cleaning and replacement of fiters is highly recommended.
Saliva and nasal discharged in the form of droplets and aerosols, by an infected person while exhaling, talking, speaking, singing, laughing, coughing or sneezing etc. is the primary mode of virus transmissions. infected person who shows no symptoms also transmit the virus. People without symptoms can spread the virus. People should continue wearing a mask, wear double masks or a N95 mask.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus infects a human host where it can multiply, in the absence of the host it cannot survive, and stopping the transmission of the virus from a person to another person will decrease the infection rate of the disease to a level where it can eventually die. This can be achieved only with the support and cooperation of individuals, communities, local bodies and authorities. Use of masks, ventilation, distancing, and sanitation, the battle against the virus can be won.
Kindly click here for the Advisory
Kindly click here for the Advisory in Hindi
President's Secretariat
President of India in Vietnam; addresses Vietnam-India business forum, reviews ASI-supported restoration project in ancient temple complex
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, reached Hanoi today  as part of his two-nation state visit to Vietnam and Australia. Later in the afternoon, the President addressed the Vietnam-India Business Forum in the Vietnamese capital. Speaking at the Business Forum event, the President said India and Vietnam are old civilisational friends, and trade is a driving force of our contemporary partnership. In the past eight years, there has been an almost four-fold increase in bilateral trade, from US$ 3.7 billion in 2010 to US$ 12.8 billion in 2017. With both Vietnam and India on a path of high growth, this trend is expected to continue.
The President said the Vietnam-India business relationship presents prospects for engagement in financial services, IT and the digital economy, hydrocarbons, defence, renewable energy, mining, healthcare, tourism and civil aviation, among other sectors. The President said Vietnam is a very important trading partner for India within ASEAN, and India is now among the 10 largest trading partners of Vietnam. He emphasised that Vietnam-India economic relations have made significant achievements, but a lot more is waiting to happen. He invited Indian and Vietnamese businesses to partner each other for enhanced trade as well as technology and investment collaboration.
Later in the evening, the President addressed an impressive gathering of the Indian community andfriends of India in Vietnam at a reception hosted by Shri P. Harish, Ambassador of India to Vietnam.
Addressing the gathering, the President said the Buddhist Sangha is an important institution promoting friendship between India and Vietnam. He noted that Buddhist monks were as active in nurturing our relations in ancient times as they are today. The President said the Indian community in Vietnam plays a strong role in creating opportunities for the local economy and society. He appreciated the efforts of the Vietnam-India Friendship Association, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Association and the India Studies Departments of Vietnamese universities in working towards a greater understanding of India.
Yesterday afternoon , President Kovind began his state visit to Vietnam when he landed in Da Nang. Later in the evening on November 18, he met the local leadership of the Da Nang People’s Committee and attended a banquet in his honour. This morning , the President visited the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which has an impressive collection of Cham civilisation sculptures and carvings, including many inspired by Hinduism and Buddhism.
President Kovind also visited the My Son temple complex in Kwangnan province, where the oldest temples have been dated to the fourth century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the My Son temple complex is among Vietnam’s most cherished cultural treasures. The ancient temples are being restored with support from the Archaeological Survey of India, and the President was briefed on the restoration project.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Rice sowing area stood at 384.05 lakh hectares
Shri Anna/Coarse cereals sown in 178.33 lakh hectares
Kharif Crop sowing crosses 1053 lakh hectares
The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has released progress of area coverage under kharif crops as on 25th August 2023.
Area: In lakh hactare
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S.
No.
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|
Crop
|
|
Area Sown
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
1
|
|
Rice
|
|
384.05
|
|
367.83
|
|
2
|
|
Pulses
|
|
117.44
|
|
128.07
|
|
a
|
|
Arhar
|
|
42.11
|
|
44.38
|
|
b
|
|
Urdbean
|
|
31.10
|
|
36.08
|
|
c
|
|
Moongbean
|
|
30.64
|
|
33.34
|
|
d
|
|
Kulthi
|
|
0.26
|
|
0.24
|
|
e
|
|
Otherpulses
|
|
13.34
|
|
14.04
|
|
3
|
|
Shri Anna cum Coarse cereals
|
|
178.33
|
|
176.31
|
|
a
|
|
Jowar
|
|
13.84
|
|
14.99
|
|
b
|
|
Bajra
|
|
70.00
|
|
69.32
|
|
c
|
|
Ragi
|
|
7.63
|
|
7.46
|
|
d
|
|
Small millets
|
|
4.78
|
|
4.54
|
|
e
|
|
Maize
|
|
82.09
|
|
79.99
|
|
4
|
|
Oilseeds
|
|
188.58
|
|
190.38
|
|
a
|
|
Groundnut
|
|
43.27
|
|
44.75
|
|
b
|
|
Soybean
|
|
124.71
|
|
123.60
|
|
c
|
|
Sunflower
|
|
0.67
|
|
1.89
|
|
d
|
|
Sesamum
|
|
11.80
|
|
12.73
|
|
e
|
|
Niger
|
|
0.36
|
|
0.76
|
|
f
|
|
Castor
|
|
7.67
|
|
6.51
|
|
g
|
|
Other Oilseeds
|
|
0.11
|
|
0.14
|
|
5
|
|
Sugarcane
|
|
56.06
|
|
55.59
|
|
6
|
|
Jute & Mesta
|
|
6.56
|
|
6.96
|
|
7
|
|
Cotton
|
|
122.56
|
|
124.82
|
|
Total
|
|
1053.59
|
|
1049.96
Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between India and the United Nations Entity of Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women 
Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding  between India and the United Nations Entity of Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women .
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Paddy procurement operations in KMS 2022-23 progresses smoothly; 830 LMT paddy procured till 19th June 2023
Over 1.22 Crore farmers benefit with MSP outflow of over Rs. 1,71,000 Crores during ongoing paddy procurement operations
MSP payment this year for wheat and paddy combined stands at Rs. 2,26,829 crore against last year’s payment of Rs. 2,05,896 crore
Paddy procurement by the Government of India during the Kharif Marketing Season  2022-23 has progressed smoothly. More than 830 Lakh Metric Ton  paddy has been procured for Central Pool up to 19.06.2023 under Minimum Support Price  operations. Over 1.22 crore farmers have so far benefited from the ongoing paddy procurement operations of KMS 2022-23 with MSP outflow of Rs. 1,71,000 crore transferred directly into their accounts.
The Government has ensured that all arrangements are in place for hassle-free procurement operations. Rice delivery against the procured paddy is also in progress and against the procurement of 830 LMT paddy , around 401 LMT rice has been received in the Central Pool upto 19.06.2023 with another 150 LMT yet to be received.
Wheat procurement during the ongoing Rabi Marketing Season  2023-24 has also progressed smoothly. The progressive procurement of wheat in the current season upto 19.06.2023 is 262 LMT which is well above last year’s total procurement of 188 LMT by 74 LMT. About 21.29 Lakh farmers have already benefited from the ongoing wheat procurement operations with MSP outflow of about Rs. 55,680 crores. Major contribution in the procurement has come from three procuring states of Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana with procurement of 121.27 LMT, 70.98 LMT and 63.17 LMT respectively.
The MSP payment to the farmers this year for the procurement of wheat and paddy combined is Rs. 2,26,829 crore against last year’s total payment of Rs. 2,05,896 crore.
With the current procurement of wheat and rice, adequate food grains stock in Government granaries is maintained. The combined stock position of wheat and rice has reached 570 LMT which puts the country in a comfortable position to meet its requirements of food grains.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tribute to India's rich cultural diversity on the occasion of National Handloom Day
PM urges youngsters associated with StartUps to take part in Handloom Startup Grand Challenge
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid a tribute to India's rich cultural diversity and all those working to celebrate India’s artistic traditions on the occasion of National Handloom Day. The Prime Minister also urged all youngsters associated with the world of StartUps to take part in Handloom Startup Grand Challenge.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“On National Handloom Day, a tribute to India's rich cultural diversity and all those working to celebrate our artistic traditions. #MyHandloomMyPride”
“An excellent opportunity to ideate and innovate for weavers. Urging all those youngsters associated with the world of StartUps to take part...
#MyHandloomMyPride
Ministry of Defence
National Cadet Corps and National Highways Authority of India signs MoU to reuse plastic waste
Key highlights:
- A total of 3,40,000 cadets from 127 coastal area NCC Units are participating in the month-long activity
- NCC cadets at different locations have collected plastic wastes amounting to almost six tons
- Collected plastic wastes to be handed over to NHAI to use in road construction
The National Cadet Corps  and National Highways Authority of India  signed a Memorandum of Understanding  to reuse plastic wastes collected by NCC Cadets during Puneet Sagar Abhiyan and other Swachhta activities for construction of roads by NHAI throughout the country. To promote and create favourable conditions for environmental safety, NCC has initiated a nationwide campaign Puneet Sagar Abhiyan to clean seashores/beaches off the plastic & other wastes along the seashores and increase awareness about importance of keeping the seashores free from plastic wastes.
The aim of the Campaign is to propagate the message of ‘Importance of clean seashores/beaches’ amongst the local population and future generations. A total of 3,40,000 cadets from 127 Coastal Area NCC Units are participating in the month-long activity. So far, the NCC cadets at different locations have collected plastic wastes amounting to almost six tons from these areas.
The plastic wastes collected is planned to be handed over to NHAI which they can use in road construction. The MoU between NCC and NHAI has been signed and exchanged on 17 December 2021 by Director General NCC Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh and Chief General Manager, NHAI Mr Sushil Kumar Mishra.
The National Cadet Corps has also approached IITs and NIITs for their cooperation in recycling and gainful utilisation of the plastic wastes collected. IIT Kharagpur has already agreed to extend their technical expertise in this. The National Cadet Corps is also approaching NGOs who are involved in recycling of plastic wastes, one of whom, Odisha Yuva Chetana Sangathhan has already agreed to provide assistance.
In addition to physically cleaning the beaches the cadets have also taken up mass awareness campaign to educate the people regarding the evils and harms of plastic use and the damage plastic is doing to our natural resources. The cadets are also interacting with public, tourists, local shopkeepers/vendors and fisherman along the coastal areas, distributing pamphlets, administering oaths to the target population, performing theme based Nukkad Nataks & rallies/foot patrols to drive home the message of importance of clean sea beaches. Till date, almost 1.5 lakh cadets at 64 different locations have participated in the Puneet Sagar Abhiyan and have impacted a population of approximately 17 Lakh.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
LOSS DUE TO FLOODS
Central Water Commission compiles the yearly flood damage data provided by the respective State Governments subsequent to conclusion of flood period. The data for the year 2020 is yet to be confirmed by the State Governments. The economic losses due to floods do not follow an overall increasing trend during the last five years . The statement showing damage due to floods/ heavy rains during the last five years  is given in Annexure-I.
The funding pattern for flood management projects under Flood Management component of Flood Magement and Border Area Programme during the XII Plan period and thereafter has been kept as 50 % : 50 %  for general States. The funding pattern is kept as per the recommendations of NITI Aayog and extant norms of Ministry of Finance for centrally sponsored schemes.
This Information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, ShriBishweswarTuduin a written reply in LokSabha today.
PIB Headquarters
PIB’S BULLETIN ON COVID-19
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|
- India’s Active Caseload Declines for the Second Consecutive day
- WHO has not associated the term “Indian Variant” with B.1.617, now classified as Variant of Concern
- Government to ramp up availability of Amphotericin B - to fight Mucormycosis
#Unite2FightCorona
#IndiaFightsCorona
PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
India’s Active Caseload Declines for the Second Consecutive day
- New Recoveries outnumber Daily New COVID Cases for the Second Consecutive day
- India’s Cumulative Vaccination Coverage exceeds 17.5 Crore
- More than 30 lakh beneficiaries of age group 18-44 Vaccinated so far
- The National Recovery Rate is 83.04%.
- The National Mortality Rate currently stands at 1.09%.
For details: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1717870
WHO has not associated the term “Indian Variant” with B.1.617, now classified as Variant of Concern
This is to clarify that WHO has not associated the term “Indian Variant” with the B.1.617 variant of the coronavirus in its 32 page document.
For Details :https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1717876
Ministry of Power takes proactive measures to ensure 24x7 power supply to Oxygen Power Plants in the Country
In view of the pan India impact of the second wave of corona virus pandemic across the country and the manifold rise in oxygen demand for both medical facilities and for home treatment of patients , the Ministry of Power has undertaken a number of pro-active preventive and remedial measures to ensure that there is uninterrupted power supply to Oxygen Plants by the State Utilities
For Details: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1717861
Government take steps to ramp up availability of Amphotericin B - to fight Mucormycosis
A sudden increase in demand has been observed in some states for Amphotericin B which is being actively prescribed by the physicians to patients suffering from Mucormycosis, a post COVID complication. The Government of India is therefore engaging with the manufacturers to ramp up production of the drug. The supply position is expected to improve with extra imports of this drug and increase in its production domestically.
For Details: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1717864
PIB FACT CHECK
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
24% more wheat procured in comparison to corresponding period last year
Total 373.51LMT wheat procured on MSP from 38.22Lakh farmers during current RMS 2021-22
Around 749.98LMTs paddy procured on MSP for ongoing KMS 2020-21 and RMS benefitting 111.95 Lakh farmers
Government through its Nodal Agencies procured6,73,415.23MT of Pulses and Oilseeds on MSP benefitting 4,02,627 farmers
Procurement of Wheat in ongoing RMS2021-22 is continuing smoothly in the procuring States of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan,Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir at MSP, as was done in previous seasons and till now  a quantity of over 373.51 LMT of Wheat has been procured against the last year corresponding purchase of 300.58 LMT. About38.22Lakh farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing RMS procurement operations with MSP value of Rs. 73,768.74Crore.
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|
Paddy procurement in the ongoing season Kharif 2020-21 is continuing smoothly in the procuring States with purchase of over 749.98 LMTs of paddy  upto17.05.2021 against the last year corresponding purchase of 697.09 LMT. About 111.95 Lakh farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing KMS procurement Operations with MSP value of Rs. 1,41,595.71 Crore.
|
|
Further, based on the proposal from the States, approval was accorded for procurement of 107.37 LMT of Pulse and Oilseeds of Kharif Marketing Season 2020-21 & Rabi Marketing Season 2021 for the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh under Price Support Scheme .The sanction for procurement of 1.74 LMT of Copra  for the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala was also given. For other States/UTs, approval will also be accorded on receipt of proposals for procurement of Pulses, Oilseeds and Copra under PSS so that procurement of FAQ grade of these crops can be made at notified MSP for the year 2020-21 directly from the registered farmers, if the market rate goes below MSP during the notified harvesting period in the respective States/UTs by the Central Nodal Agencies through State nominated procuring agencies.
Upto17.05.2021, the Government through its Nodal Agencies has procured6,73,415.23MT of Moong, Urad, Tur, Gram, Masoor, Groundnut Pods, Mustard Seed and Soyabean having MSP value of Rs.3,527.48Crores benefitting4,02,627farmers in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana and Rajasthan under Kharif2020-21 & Rabi 2021.
Similarly, 5089 MT of copra  having MSP value of Rs.52.40 crore has been procured benefitting 3961 farmers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu upto17.05.2021.
Ministry of Textiles
Jute Mills in Assam
There are two composite jute mills in Assam enlisted with Office of Jute Commissioner viz. Assam Cooperative Jute Mills Ltd., Silghat and Atlanta Modular Pvt. Limited, West Boragoan. A total of 98 composite jute mills are enlisted from all over the country.
The Government has increased mandatory reservation of foodgrains procured by State Procurement Agencies to 100%, thereby ensuring consistent demand of jute in the market and has also fixed a Minimum Support Price  of Rs. 3950 for the year 2019-20 and has instructed Jute Corporation of India  to procure jute from the farmers in case the market price goes below the MSP.
Further, Jute I-CARE  scheme is being implemented by National Jute Board  with an objective to introduce scientific technique of cultivation and retting exercises by distributing certified seeds, nail weeders, seed drillers for improving fibre quality and productivity and thereby reducing cost of production. Around 1.93 lakhs farmers in 69 blocks have been covered under the scheme in the year 2018-19 and around 900 Metric Tonne certified seeds have been distributed.
There is no report of decline in the demand of jute products in Assam for lack of proper market as the procurement of especially the sacking bags has increased over the years and the two enlisted jute mills in Assam viz. Assam Co-operative and Atlanta Modular have been continuously allocated Govt. Orders for supply of jute sacks to State Procurement Agencies  under Jute Packaging Materials  Act, 1987.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
IAF Continues its Assistance towards Containing the Spread of Covid-19
Indian Air Force continues to take measures to provide all possible assistance to the civil administration across the country in containing the spread of COVID-19.
IAF has created 09 quarantine facilities of 200-300 personnel capacity each, at nodal IAF bases across the country.
Command Hospital Air Force Bangalore has been designated as the first laboratory in the IAF to undertake COVID-19 testing which will greatly enhance the region’s ability to carry out quick testing of suspected cases and allow prompt and timely intervention where required.
To monitor the prevailing situation and provide immediate response and assistance as required, a 24x7 crisis management cell has been set up at Air Headquarters and various Command Headquarters. IAF aircraft are continuing to fly in medical supplies and doctors to Leh and fly out blood samples for COVID testing to Chandigarh and Delhi.
All measures and directives issued by the government towards containing the spread of COVID-19 has been strictly enforced across all IAF stations.
IAF stands with the government in this fight to contain the spread of COVID-19 and provide all possible assistance to the citizens of the country.